Ekitike joins France's squad for the first time instead of injured Cherki in preparation for World Cup qualifiers

The French Football Federation announced on Sunday the call-up of striker Hugo Ekitike to the national team for the first time, in preparation for the matches against Ukraine and Iceland in the World Cup qualifiers next month, following the injury of Rayan Cherki in the thigh muscle and his exclusion from the list.

Cherki had joined Manchester City last June, but his recent injury prompted coach Didier Deschamps to turn to Ekitike, who has never represented the senior national team despite his previous appearances with the youth teams.

Despite his absence from the initial squad, Ekitike's call-up came after his remarkable performance with Liverpool, where he scored three goals in his first three matches since moving from Eintracht Frankfurt to the reigning Premier League champions.

Deschamps indicated in press statements that the intense competition in the attacking line was the reason for not including Ekitike earlier, but he confirmed that the player has the potential to play at the highest level, especially given the need for fresh blood due to recurring injuries.

The French national team is scheduled to face their Ukrainian counterparts in the Polish city of Wrocław on September 5, before hosting the Icelandic team on the ninth of the same month, as part of the first two rounds of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.